In response, the The Chicago Tribune says, Gabel issued a statement "that he had a 'brief, inappropriate relationship with a female teammate,' made no excuses for his behavior and apologized to her for it."

Gabel has also stepped down from his roles at US Speedskating and the International Skating Union. In a statement issued Friday night to WUWM, Gabel said:

"I want to emphasize, there was no incident of any abuse ever. I never forced myself on any individual and any allegations of that nature are absolutely false."

Also Friday, US Speedskating released its own statement, saying it was "aware of a second allegation brought by another athlete against a former board member." The organization said it is having a law firm investigate the allegations brought by both athletes.

"US Speedskating will not tolerate abuse of any kind and we intend to investigate these claims, and any others that arise."